Next row (RS) With first ball of yarn, bind off first 2 (3, 3, 3) sts, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1, with second ball of yarn, k1, k2tog, k to end. Working both sides at once, bind off 2 (3, 3, 3) sts at beg of next row once, then 3 sts at beg of next 2 rows once.

For more inspiration on crafting, don't forget to visit The Craft Blog too!

Excerpted from Never Too Old to Knit, edited by Karin Strom. Copyright 2006 Sixth&Spring Books. Excerpted with permission from Sixth&Spring Books. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced except with permission in writing from the publisher.

Contests

Our 60-Day Holiday Countdown Giveaway is on!

From November 2 to December 31, 2016, we're giving away weekly prizes (for a total value of over $15,000) as part of our 60-Day Holiday Countdown.

For easy access to our weekly prizes, sign up for our 60-Day Holiday Countdown newsletters and you'll receive a daily email featuring a link to enter that week's contest, along with Tested Till Perfect holiday recipes, awesome gift guides, DIY decor ideas and more. You can enter to win each prize once daily until each contest closes.

You can enter to win this week's prize below, and see past contests and winners.

Get crafty with these stylish (and free!) knitting patterns

Slideshow

Stylish knitting patterns for scarves, hats, bags and more

Alder headband knitting pattern

This Alpaca headband's soft, thick yarn and easy pattern make it a satisfying quick knit. The headband is designed using a simple two-by-two rib pattern with a unique twist. And it's so practical as an ear warmer, you might be tempted to make it in several winter colours.

Stylish knitting patterns for scarves, hats, bags and more

Sundew Hat pom-pom beanie

Quick to knit and extra-cozy, the Sundew Hat is the perfect cold-weather accessory. Whether you are looking to knit a thoughtful last-minute gift or your own quintessential hat, the Sundew Hat is a crowd-pleasing favourite with its classic design and soft texture.

Medallion Mittens

Stylish knitting patterns for scarves, hats, bags and more

Ellenesque Felted Bowl knitting pattern

The Ellenesque Bowls are a practical and stylish solution to all your storage needs. Knitting your own bowl is an easy way to create the perfect size vessel for any purpose, and you can choose from a variety of colour options in our Merino Copito yarn to match your home décor.

Stylish knitting patterns for scarves, hats, bags and more

Knit a stylish winter headband

On those cold, wintry days when you need something warm around your face, grab your knitting needles, hibernate for a weekend and knit up The Stone and Arrow Winter Set. Designed in bulky yarn, The Arrow Headband and The Stone Scarf come together in a snap.

Stylish knitting patterns for scarves, hats, bags and more

Stone Scarf knitting pattern

The Stone Scarf got its name from its 3D texture, created by alternating knits and purls, that resembles a stonewall. The quirky stone-like bumps are tempered by a garter-stitch border and a slipped selvedge for a tidy edge.

Relationships

4 tips for making new friendships

Relationships

4 tips for making new friendships

Research shows that we all benefit from social interaction—even introverts. It's natural to want to cozy up at home and enjoy some alone time, but you can have too much of a good thing. "New research shows that everyone needs social contact, not just those who are outgoing and socially at ease," says Montreal psychologist Dr. Susan Pinker. "Introverts need to be in contact with others, too, though they may need to be with fewer people at a time and they may need to be in control of when and how much social contact they get."

In a study released in 2015, U.S. researchers found that social isolation and living alone increase mortality risk by 29 percent and 32 percent, respectively, which means even those who say they are alone and happy are at increased risk. The takeaway? Don't be afraid to brave the weekend crowds from time to time. It could extend your life.Four tips for making new connections

1. Build social contact into every day Make regular social commitments: scheduling a biweekly lunch with a friend, participating in a sport, signing up for a class or volunteering. "Going to the same place at the same time every week ensures you'll find other people doing exactly the same thing," says Montreal psychologist Dr. Susan Pinker. "Soon enough, they'll be part of your village."2. Use technology to be social, not antisocial We're increasingly using our personal devices to communicate without leaving the house. Texting and messaging, as well as dating apps like Tinder, make us virtually invisible. "Use your digital devices to make plans to see people for genuine social interaction," says Dr. Pinker. "Don't use your devices to replace face-to-face contact, or you will feel lonelier than you did before."

3. Have reasonable expectations Seeking new connections and friendships is a great strategy, but University of Chicago psychology professor John T. Cacioppo recommends taking it slow. "Don't focus on finding the love of your life or reinventing yourself all at once," he says. Volunteer activities, such as helping out at an animal shelter or coaching a kids" soccer team, will elicit the most positive outcome. "You may begin to feel positive sensations that can reinforce your desire to change while also building confidence."4. Don't overextend yourself "Committing to doing too many things for too many people in an effort to open ourselves up to connection can make us feel overworked and stressed out," says Cacioppo. "The whole point is to be available to the common bond of humanity." Have a realistic perception of how much you can take on along with your other daily commitments.